In addition to Satheesan, a 20-member Cabinet is anticipated to take the oath during a ceremony at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
Preparations for the ceremony were in full swing on Sunday, as workers constructed the main stage, arranged seating, and set up temporary rain shelters at the location. Enhanced security measures and special traffic arrangements have also been established in the state capital leading up to the significant event.
Prominent Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge, are expected to be present at the swearing-in ceremony. Invitations have reportedly been sent to the chief ministers of Congress-led and neighboring states.
Satheesan meets Cardinal Cleemis
Prior to the oath-taking ceremony, Satheesan met Cardinal Baselios Cleemis at the Bishop House in Pattom on Sunday.
According to PTI, the Cardinal welcomed the chief minister-designate at the entrance of the Bishop’s House. The two subsequently discussed matters over tea before briefly addressing the media.
Cleemis congratulated Satheesan and voiced confidence in the new government’s leadership.
“We firmly believe that the government under his leadership will be respectful of all communities in the state,” he remarked.
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The Cardinal also stated that the Church would back development-focused initiatives launched by the new administration.
When questioned if minority-related issues were discussed, Cleemis clarified that there had been no such conversations as Satheesan has yet to officially take office.
Satheesan did not engage with reporters after the meeting and subsequently headed to the KPCC office, where deliberations with UDF allies regarding Cabinet portfolios were ongoing.
UDF returns to power after 10 years
The UDF achieved a significant victory in the Kerala Assembly elections, claiming 102 seats in the 140-member Assembly. Meanwhile, the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) secured 35 seats, and the BJP took three.
At 61, Satheesan has served as Leader of the Opposition for the past five years and is credited by party leaders with reinforcing the Congress organization at the grassroots level.
The Congress high command officially named Satheesan as the chief minister-designate on May 14 following several days of internal deliberations. Other candidates, such as K C Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala, were also considered for the role before Satheesan’s nomination was confirmed.
As per PTI, Satheesan later met with Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, submitting letters of support from 102 MLAs to assert a claim to form the government.
Cabinet talks continue
Over the last two days, UDF leaders have been strategizing in Thiruvananthapuram to finalize the Cabinet and the distribution of portfolios.
Congress leaders have been in discussions with alliance partners, including the IUML, factions of the Kerala Congress, the RSP, CMP, and Independent MLA Mani C Kappen.
The final ministerial list is expected to be presented to the Governor on Sunday evening.
Following the swearing-in on Monday, the new Cabinet is anticipated to hold its inaugural meeting and recommend convening the Assembly.
The newly elected MLAs are slated to take their oaths on May 21, with elections for the Assembly Speaker anticipated on May 22. Government sources indicated that the Governor’s policy address is expected on May 29, with the state budget likely to be presented by June 5.
